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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

☞ REVIVE: Other Harlem Icons to Bring Back

Lenox Lounge might not be able to sell its name off anytime soon since their is a court case that has to be resolved with the landlord of the build and that has us wondering on what other revivals could be an alternative option for interested restauranteurs. Marcus Samuelsson proved that Harlem still has its allure by resurrecting a tiny, long gone speakeasy called the Red Rooster into a much bigger destination restaurant and nightclub in Central Harlem. Many small historic business uptown have folded over the decades but if the right investor comes in, they too could have a chance of returning in a big way.

History is an important element here and restaurants like M&G Diner on West 125th would be our top choice. There should probably be a different location to make it a bigger venue but the old neon signs would definitely bring the memories and fans back to this old soul food joint. Sherman's Bar BQ used to be a big chain in Harlem but the last outpost shuttered recently and would be another good option. Reaching further back, we would maybe pick a renaissance eatery such as Tillie's to restore some of the nostalgic romance in the dining scene.

All of the restaurants could incorporate jazz into the mix but what about actual jazz spot? St. Nick's Pub appears to need and investor in a big way and this is the first one to come to mind. Minton's was reportedly opening again with the aid of a major banking executive but that has yet to happen. As far as Renaissance spots go, Small's Paradise and the Savoy could be interesting to bring into modern times but in a more period appropriate fashion than what Cotton Club is today. Lenox Lounge is a great option to have as the next big thing since it already has extensive Art Deco details intact and any new revival will seriously have to spend some money on getting the old aesthetics right. Any other suggestions out their for a good Harlem revival?

13 comments:

Completely agree, these signature Harlem spots could be a gold mine in terms of profitable business and retaining Harlem’s uniqueness. Also agree, M&G diner would be the top of my list, St Nicks Pub a very close second. It needs someone with the combination of knowing the business and also an appreciation of Harlem. Nice Photos.

There's not much of the Renaissance Ballroom left at its original location but that idea also reminds us of the old Alhambra Theatre which has large commercial spaces available but has not had a historic makeover with the previous businesses that have since shuttered in the building.

That would be another ambitious dream for a developer with the right vision. Reconstruct the Lafayette Theatre similar to what the Corn Exchange building is going through right now. There's more left of the Lafayette than the Corn Exchange building so this could be done. Housing can be placed on top to off-set the cost of giving the theater a facelift.

The Lenox Lounge is a beautiful couple of rooms and the facia is superb too. Why do New York business men not realise that the reason people like me come to New York from England (I live in London) is to visit these places. The Rainbow Room, The Empire Diner, Chumleys, Lenox Lounge, St Nicks Pub. Look, New York is not in recession, neither is London where I am from. You need these great attractions. They would work. They just need managing and funding properly.....oh, and keep that jazz from getting too cerebral......think Louis not Coltrane!!

The reason most of these places are in decay is because owners refuse to sell to developers who can fund and manage them properly. Churches are the biggest culprit here. They own tons of properties and refuse to sell. They should be forced to sell or renovate a decaying bulding

You cannot and should not be able to force owners to do something with their property they don't want to do. Sad in mant instances but damn, unless it's public safety don't tell me what to do with my building.

Clearly this would not involve complexes being torn down since an investor would not want to work with that issue.

The Red Rooster existed at a different location on ACP/7th Avenue before it was "deader than doornails" decades ago. Marcus Samuelsson moved it to a larger space closer to 125th Street and on Lenox Avenue.